Vacuum cleaner suction pipe

ABSTRACT

A vacuum cleaner suction pipe ( 1 ) having first, second, and third pipe segments ( 1, 2, 3 ), respectively, the pipe segments ( 2, 3, 4 ) being telescopically connected to one another, the first pipe segment ( 2 ) being located between the second pipe segment ( 3 ) and the third pipe segment ( 4 ). So as to be easily manufactured and have an actuation that is optimized with respect to its telescoping ability, there is a control device ( 5 ), and the pipe segments ( 2, 3, 4 ) are mechanically in interaction with one another via the control device ( 5 ) so that when the second pipe segment ( 3 ) or the third pipe segment ( 4 ) is moved manually in an axial direction relative to the first pipe segment ( 2 ) the respective other of the second or third pipe segment ( 3, 4 ) is moved at the same time by the control device ( 5 ).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner suction pipe, comprising afirst pipe segment, a second pipe segment, and a third pipe segment, thepipe segments being telescopically connected to one another and thefirst pipe segment being located between the second pipe segment and thethird pipe segment.

2. Description of Related Art

Vacuum cleaner suction pipes are known in the prior art in a host ofconfigurations. Telescoping vacuum cleaner suction pipes offer theadvantage that they can be matched to the body size of the operator orto different usage situations by changing the length for short or longdistances in order, on the one hand, to enable ergonomic operation, andon the other hand, to ensure multifunctional use of the vacuum cleanerfor various vacuuming tasks.

These vacuum cleaner suction pipes for implementing the telescopingcapacity usually comprise a plurality of pipe segments which arearranged in succession and are inserted into one another so that theycan be telescoped relative to one another by axially moving the pipesegments. In order to change the length of the vacuum cleaner suctionpipe, the pipe segments are displaced manually by the operator, i.e.,they are pushed axially into or onto one another. To lock a certainposition of the pipe segments, the most varied catch mechanisms areknown which reliably prevent unwanted relative motion of the pipesegments during use of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe. Often,depressions in the walls of the pipe segments are used; they interactwith corresponding blocking elements on the other pipe segments. Forproducing the depressions in the walls, the pipe segments must have acertain minimum wall thickness as a result of which the production costis raised in addition to the material cost.

In vacuum cleaner suction pipes known from the prior art, the positionof each pipe segment relative to the following pipe segment can beadjusted independently of one another. This has the advantage that thevacuum cleaner suction pipe is adjustable in a plurality of lengthconfigurations. However, the disadvantage arises that, each pipe segmentmust have its own latching mechanisms with a blocking element whichensures latching of the pipe segments and which must be blocked oropened separately by the operator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Proceeding from the aforementioned prior art, a primary object of thisinvention is to devise a telescoping vacuum cleaner suction pipe whichcan be easily produced and whose actuation is optimized with respect tothe telescoping capacity.

This object is achieved in a vacuum cleaner suction pipe in accordancewith the invention in that the pipe segments are mechanically ininteraction with one another via a control device so that when thesecond pipe segment or the third pipe segment is moved manually in theaxial direction relative to the first pipe segment the respectivelyother pipe segment is moved at the same time by the control device.

The three pipe segments of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe are arrangedin succession, the first pipe segment being located in the middlebetween the second pipe segment and the third pipe segment. The lengthof the vacuum cleaner suction pipe corresponds to the distance betweenthe end of the second pipe segment facing away from the first pipesegment and the end of the third pipe segment facing away from the firstpipe segment. The second pipe segment and the third pipe segment can bedisplaced relative to the first pipe segment by manually pushing by theuser, as a result of which the length of the vacuum cleaner suction pipecan be adjusted. The transition regions between the second pipe segmentand the first pipe segment or the first pipe segment and the third pipesegment are preferably provided with a seal so that, between the outerend of the second pipe segment and the outer end of the third pipesegment, a continually tight suction channel is formed to guide theintake air. The “outer ends” here mean the ends of the second pipesegment and the third pipe segment facing away from the first pipesegment.

On the pipe segments, there is a control device which mechanicallyconnects the pipe segments to one another so that, when the second pipesegment or the third pipe segment is moved manually relative to thefirst pipe segment, the respectively other pipe segment—the second pipesegment or the third pipe segment—is moved at the same time by thecontrol device. Preferably, the control device interacts with all threepipe segments by, for example, the second pipe segment and the thirdpipe segment being moved and the control device being supported on thefirst pipe segment. However, alternatively, it is also provided that thecontrol device is located only on the second pipe segment and on thethird pipe segment.

If a user moves the second pipe segment or the third pipe segmentrelative to the first pipe segment, consequently therefore, in the axialdirection away from the first pipe segment or toward the first pipesegment, the respectively other pipe segment which is not being manuallyactuated by the user is moved at the same time by the control devicewhich causes a mechanical interaction. The mechanical interaction of thecontrol device is, on the one hand, provided such that the movement ofthe pipe segment which has been moved at the same time takes place inthe same direction as that of the manually moved pipe segment, and onthe other hand, however, it is provided that the movement takes place inopposite directions relative to one another so that if, for example, thesecond pipe segment is moved in the direction of the first pipe segment,the third pipe segment is also moved by the control device in thedirection of the first pipe segment, as a result of which the length ofthe vacuum cleaner suction pipe is reduced.

When the pipe segments are moved relative to one another, the pipesegments are pushed into or onto one another so that the vacuum cleanersuction pipe is altogether lengthened or shortened. Preferably, all pipesegments are the same length, but especially preferably the first pipesegment is twice as long as the second pipe segment and the third pipesegment which are the same length.

Advantageously, the control device is self-locking so that a movement ofthe pipe segments relative to one another is possible by an axialdisplacement force which is caused by the user, but in the operation ofthe vacuum cleaner suction pipe, the self-locking of the control deviceacts such that an unintentional change in length of the vacuum cleanersuction pipe is prevented. This self-locking makes an actuatingmechanism for changing the length of the vacuum cleaner suction pipeunnecessary.

According to a first configuration of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe,it is provided that there is an actuating mechanism for the controldevice so that, when the actuating mechanism is not actuated, a relativemovement of the pipe segments relative to one another is blocked, andthat, when the actuating mechanism is manually actuated by the user, arelative movement of the second pipe segment and of the third pipesegment relative to the first pipe segment is released. The actuatingmechanism acts on the control device such that, with the actuatingmechanism not actuated, movement of the control device is blocked whilethe movement of the control device is released by manually actuation ofthe actuating mechanism by a user.

The actuating mechanism, which is thus used at the same time as ablocking mechanism for the relative movement of the pipe segments,therefore, does not act directly on the pipe segments, but simplyindirectly via the control device, as a result of which the movement ofthe pipe segments is released or blocked. This has the advantage thatthe walls of the pipe segments need no longer be provided with notches,as a result of which the production of the vacuum cleaner suction pipeis simplified.

The actuating mechanism is preferably located in the middle on the firstpipe segment in the longitudinal direction, so that a user, for example,can grasp the first pipe segment with one hand at the level of theactuating mechanism in order to hold the vacuum cleaner suction pipe andto operate the actuating mechanism with his hand; at the same time, oneof the pipe segments, for example, the third pipe segment, can be movedwith the other hand. In doing so, by manually moving the third pipesegment via the control device, at the same time, the second pipesegment is moved in order to easily and comfortably increase or decreasethe length of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe.

Another configuration of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe calls for theactuating mechanism to be made as a pressure mechanism. Thisconfiguration has the advantage that the actuating mechanism can beactuated by the user with one hand, for example, by the first pipesegment to which the actuating mechanism is preferably attached beingencompassed with one hand. Here, the actuating mechanism can beactuated, for example, by pressure with the thumb, as a result of whichthe movement of the pipe segments to one another is released.

Alternatively, the actuating mechanism can also be made such that thepressure on the actuating mechanism takes place by encompassing theactuating mechanism by a radial force being applied to the actuatingmechanism by encompassing it. The radial force, for example, on at leastone elastically supported grip area actuates the actuating mechanism andreleases a movement of the pipe segments to one another.

Preferably, when the actuating mechanism is actuated, the movement ofthe pipe segments is relative to one another, while the movement isblocked if the actuating mechanism is not actuated. For this purpose,the actuating mechanism, for example, has an automatic reset, forexample, by a spring.

In order to keep the cross section for the suction channel as constantas possible, according to another configuration it is provided that thesecond pipe segment and the third pipe segment are slipped onto thefirst pipe segment on opposite ends. To do this, the cross section ofthe second pipe segment and of the third pipe segment is slightly largerthan the cross section of the first pipe segment so that the second pipesegment and the third pipe segment on opposite ends of the first pipesegment can each be slipped onto the latter. The first pipe segment thusforms the inner pipe on which the second pipe segment and the third pipesegment can be displaced as outer pipes. When the length changes, thefirst pipe segment thus moves within the second pipe segment and thethird pipe segment.

Between the first pipe segment and the third pipe segment or the secondpipe segment, respectively, there is preferably a seal which seals thesuction channel. It is preferably made as an intermediate socket which,at the same time, ensures the guidance of the first pipe segment withinthe second or third pipe segment. This intermediate socket or the sealis preferably made of a plastic with good sliding properties, forexample, PTFE, so that simple displacement of the pipe segments relativeto one another is possible.

This configuration with the first pipe segment as the smallest crosssection has the advantage that the minimum cross section of the suctionchannel is the cross section of the first pipe segment since both thecross section of the second pipe segment and also of the third pipesegment is slightly larger.

If the vacuum cleaner suction pipe is telescoped, therefore changed inits length, when shortened both the second pipe segment and also thethird pipe segment are moved preferably toward the middle, especiallypreferably in the direction of the actuating mechanism. To lengthen thevacuum cleaner suction pipe, both the second pipe segment and also thethird pipe segment are moved toward the outside away from the first pipesegment.

According to one configuration which has proven especially advantageous,it is provided that the second pipe segment and the third pipe segmentare moved opposite one another by the mechanical coupling of the controldevice. When one of the two outer pipe segments is manually moved by theuser, specifically the second pipe segment or the third pipe segment,the control device causes a movement opposite in direction to themovement of the manually moved pipe segment so that the second pipesegment and the third pipe segment are always moved at the same timetoward the middle of the first pipe segment or are always moved at thesame time toward the outside away from the middle of the first pipesegment.

This configuration has the advantage that the length of the vacuumcleaner suction pipe can be quickly and easily increased or decreasedwithout a plurality of actuating elements having to be actuated. In thisconfiguration, it is sufficient to actuate a single actuating element,as a result of which the movement of both the second pipe segment andalso of the third pipe segment is released and is synchronized by thecontrol device. When only one pipe segment is moving, consequently, thecorrespondingly opposite pipe segment is automatically moved at the sametime so the desired length status of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe canbe reached very quickly since only one of the movable pipe segments mustbe moved by half the desired change of length and the other movesautomatically at the same time to achieve the desired change in length.

According to another configuration, it is provided that the controldevice is made as at least one control rod which acts between the secondpipe segment and the third pipe segment, on the one hand, such thatmovement of the second pipe segment and of the third pipe segment takesplace in the same direction when actuated manually, and on the otherhand, it can also be set up such that, with a suitable transmissionratio, opposite movement of the pipe segments relative to one another isaccomplished. Depending on the configuration and arrangement of thecontrol rod, there is support or attachment to the first pipe segmentand/or an interaction with the actuating mechanism. Two control rodswhich are joined together via a joint can also interact in this sense asa single control rod.

According to another configuration which has proven advantageous, it isprovided that there are at least two control rods, that a first controlrod is connected to the end of the second pipe segment facing away fromthe first pipe segment and a second control rod is connected to the endof the third pipe segment facing away from the first pipe segment, andthat the first control rod and the second control rod interact with oneanother via the actuating element which is attached to the first pipesegment. The control rods are consequently attached in the end regionsof the second pipe segment and third pipe segment facing away from thefirst pipe segment. Attachment of the control rods to the pipe segmentscan also take place indirectly, for example, via a socket.

The control rods run normally within the pipe segments. The force istransferred during the movement of the second pipe segment or of thethird pipe segment relative to the first pipe segment via the controlrods via which the direction of motion of the individual pipe segmentsis also controlled and optionally synchronized. The manual movement ofone control rod always causes a movement of the other control rod inorder to move the other pipe segment at the same time.

The actuating element is advantageously located in the longitudinaldirection in the middle on the first pipe segment and guides the controlrods such that movement of the control rods can be blocked and releasedby the actuating mechanism. The mechanical coupling of the control rodstakes place either via the actuating mechanism or is implementedindependently of the actuating mechanism. The force is transferredbetween the control rods in the case of motion such that the second andthird pipe segments move oppositely or in the same direction.

According to one especially preferred configuration, it is provided thatthe control rods are made as toothed racks, and that the control rodsinteract with one another via a gear located on the actuating mechanismso that the gear transfers motion of the two racks when one of the twopipe segments is moved manually. The racks preferably are made of aplastic and are provided over the entire length with teeth which canmesh with the teeth of the gear. Alternatively, one control rod can alsobe provided with teeth only in sections, specifically in the regions inwhich contact with the gear is possible within the framework of thefreedom of movement of the pipe segments.

The racks are each attached to the end of the second pipe segment or ofthe third pipe segment facing away from the first pipe segment andoverlap in the region of the actuating mechanism which is preferablyattached to the first pipe segment. “Overlap” here means that they runat least in one segment parallel to one another, the proportion of theoverlapping being dependent on the length configuration of the vacuumcleaner suction pipe. Continuous overlapping of the racks takes place inthe region of the gear.

The gear is advantageously located on the actuating mechanism and ispreferably pivotally mounted between the two racks so that the racks runparallel to one another oppositely on different sides of the gear. Thegear engages the teeth of the respective racks so that it is ensuredthat, when one of the two pipe segments and thus also the respectiverack are moved manually by a user, force is transmitted via the gear, asa result of which the respective other pipe segment is moved at the sametime preferably in the opposite direction. The racks are guided on thegear such that the teeth are prevented from skipping.

This configuration enables advantageous and simple adaptation of thelength of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe. The use of racks and a gearhas the advantage that the length of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe canbe set almost in a continuous manner since the smallest possiblevariable distance is the distance between the two teeth of a rack or ofthe gear.

In order to block the movement of the racks and thus the movement of thepipe segments relative to one another, which is necessary for the use ofthe vacuum cleaner suction pipe, the gear is blocked by the actuatingmechanism so that the racks cannot move relative to one another, andthus, also the pipe segments cannot move relative to one another. Byactuating the actuating mechanism, the movement of the gear, especiallythe rotation, can be released again so that a manual adaptation of thelength of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe is possible.

In order to move the pipe segments relative to one another withdifferent speeds, according to another configuration, it is providedthat there is a plurality of gears so that a different transmissionratio is implemented between the racks of the second pipe segment and ofthe third pipe segment. This transmission ratio can be implementeddifferently, for example, such that the third pipe segment is alwaysmoved only by half the distance by which the second pipe segment ismoved by a manual movement or vice versa. Other transmission ratios canalso be provided which, depending on the application, can be configuredand implemented differently—number of gears, arrangement, etc. Via aplurality of gears, in the sense of a gearbox, simplified forcetransmission between the racks can also be implemented. Furthermore, itis also provided that the transmission ratio between the racks can beswitched over on the actuating mechanism, for example, by a slidercontrol.

Within the framework of another configuration of the vacuum cleanersuction pipe, it has proven advantageous if there are four control rods,and that two control rods interact with the second pipe segment and twocontrol rods interact with the third pipe segment. The first control rodof one pipe segment is attached, for this purpose, to the end of therespective pipe segment facing away from the first pipe segment and hasa length which corresponds roughly to the length of the pipe segment. Onthe end of each pipe segment—here the second or third pipe segment—therack in the transition region between the second pipe segment and firstpipe segment or the third pipe segment and first pipe segment engagesthe rack which belongs to one pipe segment and which for this purpose isturned by 180° with respect to its teeth.

The second control rod of an outer pipe segment—second or third—thenruns within the first pipe segment where it is guided in the actuatingmechanism. This configuration has the advantage that the length of theengagement of the two racks of one pipe segment in the transition regionbetween the second pipe segment and the first pipe segment or third pipesegment and first pipe segment can be changed so that movement of thesecond pipe segment and of the third pipe segment in the same oropposite direction is implemented with a uniform transmission ratio, butthe overlapping length between the second pipe segment and the firstpipe segment or third pipe segment and first pipe segment is differentbetween the second pipe segment and third pipe segment. Overlappinglength here means the length with which the first pipe segment runswithin the second pipe segment or within the third pipe segment. Theoverlapping ratio is adjusted preferably via two others, on the secondpipe segment and on the third pipe segment, on the end facing the firstpipe segment at the time. The maximum overlapping length between thesecond pipe segment and the first pipe segment is reached in the middleof the first pipe segment, therefore at half the length of the firstpipe segment.

To optimize the suction performance, according to another configurationof the vacuum cleaner suction pipem it is provided that the pipesegments have a droplet-shaped cross section that has a suction channelwithin the cross section of each pipe segment, and that the controldevice in the pipe segments is outside of the suction channel. Thisconfiguration has the advantage that the actual suction channel in whichthe intake air is routed runs independently of the control device sothat no swirling of the intake air occurs, and thus, a power loss is notcaused by the control device. The suction channels of the individualpipe segments preferably engage one another exactly like the pipesegments themselves on the length of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe andare sealed and can move relative to one another. The suction channelpreferably has a round cross section so that it can be locatedadvantageously in the lower part of the droplet-shaped cross section ofthe pipe segments. In the upper section of the droplet-shaped crosssection of the pipe segments there is then the control device,especially the rack.

While the pipe segments preferably are made of high-grade steel oranother metal, the suction change or channels are made of plastic. Thesuction channels are used solely to guide the air and can be freelymoved relative to one another. The locking of the respective position,and thus, of the length of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe takes placeas usual via the locking of the pipe segments relative to one anothervia the control device.

According to a last configuration of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe, itis provided that, on the end of the second pipe segment and of the thirdpipe segment facing away from the first pipe segment, there is a socketwhich is permanently connected to the control device and which positionsthe suction channel within the pipe segments. The respective socket isinserted positively on the end of the second pipe segment or on the endof the third pipe segment into the latter and thus closes it off. Onlythe suction channel which runs within the pipe segments is exposed andcan be connected via a corresponding adapter piece on the socket to thesuction foot or to the suction hose of a vacuum cleaner. Depending onthe configuration, the respective socket is made integral with thesuction channel which runs within the pipe segment or separate from itso that the socket and the suction channel positively engage oneanother. The socket is used for positioning and attachment of thesuction channel within the respective pipe segment. The control device,especially the racks, is attached to the socket so that the racks areattached to the end of the second pipe segment or of the third pipesegment facing away from the first pipe segment and force is transferredfrom the racks via the sockets to the pipe segments and vice versa.

In addition, preferably on the ends of the second pipe segment and ofthe third pipe segment facing the first pipe segment, there is anintermediate socket which, on the one hand, improves the slidingproperties between the pipe segments, and on the other hand, is used forsealing of the pipe segments relative to one another. The intermediatesocket also positions the suction channel.

In particular there are a host of possibilities for embodying anddeveloping the vacuum cleaner suction pipe in accordance with theinvention. In this regard reference is made to the following detaileddescription of a preferred exemplary embodiment in conjunction with thedrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a telescopingvacuum cleaner suction pipe,

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an end portion of an exemplary embodimentof a vacuum cleaner suction pipe,

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a transition section between two pipesegments of an exemplary embodiment of a vacuum cleaner suction pipe,

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the pipe segment with a gear in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of a vacuum cleaner suction pipe,

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a second end section of the exemplaryembodiment of a vacuum cleaner suction pipe,

FIG. 6 shows the control device and the sockets of the exemplaryembodiment according to FIG. 1, and

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a vacuumcleaner suction pipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a vacuum cleaner suction pipe 1with a first pipe segment 2, a second pipe segment 3 and a third pipesegment 4. The three pipe segments 2, 3, 4 are telescopically connectedto one another, the first pipe segment 2 being located between thesecond pipe segment 3 and the third pipe segment 4. In the vacuumcleaner suction pipe 1, there is a control device 5 (shown in FIG. 6)mechanically connecting the three pipe segments 2, 3, 4 to one anotherso that, when the second pipe segment 3 or the third pipe segment 4 isdisplaced manually by a user in the axial direction relative to thefirst pipe segment 2, the pipe segment 3, 4 which is the other at thetime is moved at the same time by the control device 5. The movement ofthe second pipe segment 3 and of the third pipe segment 4 isconsequently coupled via the control device 5. The second pipe segment 3and the third pipe segment 4 are moved in opposite directions relativeto one another by the control device 5, i.e., the two pipe segments 3, 4are moved at the same time toward the middle of the first pipe segment 2or away from it.

To actuate the control device 5, according to FIG. 1, there is anactuating mechanism 6 which acts on the control device 5 so that, whenthe actuating mechanism 6 is not actuated, movement of the three pipesegments 2, 3, 4 relative to one another is blocked, and that when theactuating mechanism 6 is manually actuated, relative movement of thesecond pipe segment 3 and of the third pipe segment 4 relative to thefirst pipe segment 2 is enabled. The manually set length of the vacuumcleaner suction pipe is thus locked by the control device 5 which actson the three pipe segments 2, 3, 4.

The second pipe segment 3 and the third pipe segment 4 are slipped ontothe first pipe segment 2 on opposite ends of the first pipe segment 2.To do this, the cross sections of the second pipe segment 3 and of thethird pipe segment 4 are slightly larger than the cross section of thefirst pipe segment 2. If the vacuum cleaner suction pipe 1 is beingtelescoped, the first pipe segment 2 is moved within the second pipesegment 3 and the third pipe segment 4. The first pipe segment 2accordingly forms an inner pipe while the second pipe segment 3 and thethird pipe segment 4 constitute outer pipes.

The control device 5 (which is shown in FIG. 6) is configured for theexemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 such that the second pipesegment 3 and the third pipe segment 4 are moved opposite one another bythe mechanical coupling of the control device 5 if one of the two pipesegments 3, 4 is moved manually by a user. A manual movement by a usercan also take place such that the second pipe segment 3 or the thirdpipe segment 4 is held and fixed by the user and then the first pipesegment 2 is moved relative thereto.

According to FIG. 6, the control device 5 encompasses a total of fourcontrol rods which are made as racks 7. The second pipe segment 3 andthe third pipe segment 4 each encompass a first rack 7 a and a secondrack 7 b, the first rack 7 a and the second rack 7 b, in the mountedstate, being arranged turned by 180° relative to one another so that, ina transition region, a plurality of teeth of the first rack 7 a and ofthe second rack 7 b engage one another. This transition region ispreferably in the region in which the first pipe segment 2 passes intothe second pipe segment 3 or into the third pipe segment 4.

The two second control rods 7 b, specifically that of the second pipesegment 3 and that of the third pipe segment 4, overlap in the region ofthe actuating mechanism 6. Here, “overlap” means that the second racks 7b run parallel to one another in one section, the length of this sectiondepending on the set length of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe. Theshorter the total length of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe 1 is set,the longer the section in which the second racks 7 b overlap. If thevacuum cleaner suction pipe 1 is set to its maximum length, theoverlapping of the racks 7 b is the smallest.

A detailed view of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe 1 in the region ofthe actuating mechanism 6 is shown in FIG. 4. According to FIG. 4, thesecond racks 7 b overlap in the first pipe segment 2 in the region ofthe actuating mechanism 6 (not shown in detail). As part of theactuating mechanism 6, a gear 8 is arranged rotationally mounted, theteeth of the gear 8 engaging the teeth of the two second control racks 7b. The racks 7 b run parallel to one another on opposite sides of thegear 8. The racks 7 b are coupled via the gear 8 such that any movementof one of the two racks 7 b is transmitted via the gear to the otherrack 7 b. The gear 8 is rotationally mounted and connected to the othercomponents of the actuating mechanism 6 such that the rotation capacityof the gear 8 is released by actuating the actuating mechanism 6. Whenthe actuating mechanism 6 is not actuated, rotation of the gear 8 isblocked by the actuating mechanism 6 so that, altogether, a relativemovement of the control device 5, and thus, of the pipe segments 2, 3, 4relative to one another is blocked. The second racks 7 b on theiroverlapping ends have blocking elements 9. The blocking elements 9prevent the second racks 7 b from being withdrawn from the gear 8, andthus, also the second pipe segment 3 from being withdrawn from the firstpipe segment 2 and the third pipe segment 4 from being withdrawn fromthe first pipe segment 2.

As shown in FIGS. 1 & 6, the actuating mechanism 6 is made as a pressuremechanism so that the movement of the pipe segments 2, 3, 4 relative toone another is released by pressure on the button 14. The button 14 isspring-loaded so that the movement of the pipe segments 2, 3, 4 relativeto one another is blocked if pressure is not applied to the button 14.

FIG. 7 shows a cross section of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe 1 in theregion of the second pipe segment 3. The pipe segments 3 & 4 are likethe second pipe segment 3, here having an essentially droplet-shapedcross section. In the lower region of the droplet-shaped cross section,within the second pipe segment 3, there is a suction channel 10 which isused to guide the intake air within the vacuum cleaner suction pipe 1.The suction channel 10 has a round cross section and offers theadvantage that the intake air is routed through the vacuum cleanersuction pipe 1 without being influenced by the components, and thusconsequently, without swirls being created within the suction channel bythose components 7 & 8.

The individual sections of the suction channel 10 in the pipe segments2, 3, 4 are also movable relative one another, i.e., they can betelescoped. The sections of the suction channel 10 foam a continuous andsealed channel between the two ends of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe1. The rack 7 likewise runs within the second pipe segment 3, butoutside of the suction channel 10. Because the racks 7 of the controldevice 5 are routed outside of the suction channel 10, power-reducingswirls within the suction channel 10 are prevented. In FIG. 7, thecomponents of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe 1 which are present in theposterior planes are not shown.

In addition to the control device 5, FIG. 6 shows connectors 11 which,in the mounted state of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe 1, are insertedinto the ends of the second pipe segment 3 and of the third pipe segment4 facing away from the first pipe segment 2. The connectors 11 encompassthe suction channel 10 positively and keep it at its position within therespective pipe segment 3, 4. The socket 11 for the vacuum cleanersuction pipe 1 constitutes the interface of the suction channel 10 tothe suction part of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe 1 (not shown) and onthe other side to the suction hose (not shown). The first racks 7 a ofthe control device 5 are attached to the connectors 11. Force istransferred via this connection from the second pipe segment 3 and thethird pipe segment 4 to the racks 7 and vice versa, i.e., from the racks7 to the second pipe segment 3 and the third pipe segment 4.

Furthermore, in the mounted state, on the end of the second pipe segment3 and of the third pipe segment 4 facing the first pipe segment 2,intermediate sleeves 12 are inserted into the second pipe segment 3 andthe third pipe segment 4. The intermediate sleeves 12 are used, on theone hand, to hold the suction channel 10 within the pipe segments 3, 4,and on the other hand, they are used to simplify the sliding processbetween the first pipe segment 2 and the second pipe segment 3 or thethird pipe segment 4. The intermediate sleeves 12 are used as slidingelements between the pipe segments 2, 3, 4, and at the same time, sealthe transition sites.

FIG. 2 shows one exemplary embodiment of an end region of the secondpipe segment 3 facing away from the first pipe segment 2 in which thesuction channel 10 runs and is positively connected to the connector 11.The first rack 7 a is likewise attached to the connector 11 so thatforce is transferred from the rack 7 a via the socket 11 to the secondpipe segment 3. The connector 11 is also used as an interface for thesuction channel 10 to route the intake air, especially for connection ofthe vacuum cleaner suction pipe 1 to a suction base (not shown).

FIG. 3 shows the transition region between the second pipe segment 3 andthe first pipe segment 2 of an exemplary embodiment of the vacuumcleaner suction pipe 1. Between the first pipe segment 2 and the secondpipe segment 3, there is an intermediate sleeve 12. The suction channel10, which runs underneath the racks 7 is not shown here. Within thefirst pipe segment 2 and the second pipe segment 3, the first rack 7 aand the second rack 7 b run; they are arranged offset by 180° relativeto one another and in the transition region between the first pipesegment 2 and second pipe segment 3, they engage one another with aplurality of teeth and are thus connected to one another.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of an end region of the third pipesegment 4 facing away from the first pipe segment 2 in a partialsection. A connector 11 which is used as an interface for the suctionchannel 10 of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe 1 is inserted into thepipe segment 4. The suction channel 10 is inserted positively into theconnector 11 so that the connector 11 keeps the suction channel 10within the third pipe segment 4. Furthermore, the first rack 7 a is alsofixed on the socket 11 so that force is transferred from the rack 7 a tothe socket 11, and thus, to the third pipe segment 4. This socket 11 hasan actuating element 13 which is used for detachable latching of thesocket 11 to a suction hose which is inserted into the latter and whichis not shown.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vacuum cleaner suction pipe, comprising: afirst pipe segment, a second pipe segment, and a third pipe segment,wherein the pipe segments are telescopically connected to one anotherwith the first pipe segment being located between the second pipesegment and the third pipe segment, wherein a control device is provideda mechanical coupling that is adapted to mechanically interact with thepipe segments in a manner causing manual movement of one of the secondand third pipe segments in an axial direction relative to the first pipesegment to produce movement of the other of the second and third pipesegments at the same time.
 2. Vacuum cleaner suction pipe in accordancewith claim 1, further comprising an actuating mechanism for the controldevice, the actuating mechanism blocking a relative movement of the pipesegments relative to one another when the actuating mechanism notactuated and wherein when the actuating mechanism is manually actuatableby a user to enable a relative movement of the second pipe segment andthe third pipe segment relative to the first pipe segment.
 3. Vacuumcleaner suction pipe in accordance with claim 2, wherein the actuatingmechanism is a pressure mechanism.
 4. Vacuum cleaner suction pipe inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the second pipe segment and the thirdpipe segment are slidable on on opposite ends of the first pipe segment.5. Vacuum cleaner suction pipe in accordance with claim 1, wherein themechanical coupling of the control device is connected to the secondpipe segment and the third pipe segment in a manner causing the secondpipe segment and the third pipe segment to move in opposite directions.6. Vacuum cleaner suction pipe in accordance with claim 1, wherein thecontrol device comprises at least one control rod.
 7. Vacuum cleanersuction pipe in accordance with claim 6, wherein said at least onecontrol rod comprises at least two control rods of which a first controlrod is connected to an end of the second pipe segment which faces awayfrom the first pipe segment and a second control rod is connected to anend of the third pipe segment which faces away from the first pipesegment, and wherein the first control rod and the second control rodare in interaction with one another via an actuating mechanism attachedto the first pipe segment.
 8. Vacuum cleaner suction pipe in accordancewith claim 7, wherein the control rods are have toothed racks, andwherein the racks are in interaction with one another via at least onegear located on the actuating mechanism so that the gear transfersmotion of one of the racks to the other when one of the two pipesegments is moved manually.
 9. Vacuum cleaner suction pipe in accordancewith claim 8, wherein said at least one gear comprises a plurality ofgears adapted to provide a different transmission ratio between theracks of the second pipe segment and of the third pipe segment. 10.Vacuum cleaner suction pipe in accordance with claim 1, wherein thecontrol device comprises four control rods of which two control rodsinteract with the second pipe segment and two control rods interact withthe third pipe segment.
 11. Vacuum cleaner suction pipe in accordancewith claim 1, wherein the pipe segments have a droplet-shaped crosssection, wherein a suction channel passes through each pipe segment, andwherein the control device is located in the pipe segments outside ofthe suction channel.
 12. Vacuum cleaner suction pipe in accordance withclaim 11, wherein on an end of each of the second pipe segment and thethird pipe segment that faces away from the first pipe segment there isa connector which is permanently connected to the control device andwhich positions the suction channel within the pipe segments.